Overview of San Marcos

Located in northern region of San Diego County, San Marcos is one of the fastest growing cities in Southern California. Residents enjoy average summer temperatures of approximately 72 degrees, and it takes less than 30 minutes to drive to the Oceanside Harbor from San Marcos apartments for rent. A low unemployment rate and excellent transportation network contribute to the strong San Marcos economy. Notable arts and recreational programs improve the quality of life in this emerging suburban city. Interstates 5 and 15 provide convenient access to San Diego, southern Orange County and Riverside, and a commuter rail line provides San Marcos residents with service to Oceanside and Escondido.

Living in San Marcos, CA

The temperate Southern California climate makes it easy for residents in San Marcos apartments to enjoy outdoor recreation throughout the year. The multi-use trail system in San Marcos spans 56 miles and is proposed to extend 72 miles upon completion of development. The trails wind through rural settings in the San Marcos countryside and provide excellent conditions for hiking, biking, running and equestrian activities.

Popular destinations, such as Restaurant Row on San Marcos Boulevard and the shopping hub of Creekside Marketplace, have made San Marcos a popular entertainment destination among San Diego County residents. Theatre West is a youth theater organization sponsored by the City of San Marcos. It contributes to a lively arts scene within the city. The Performing Arts Center at Palomar College is a popular venue for live theater and music performances.

San Marcos Work and Study

San Marcos boasts a strong local and regional economy with a low unemployment rate. San Marcos residents enjoy a low crime rate, and the city has a strong commitment to economic development. The top employers in San Marcos include San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD), Hunter Industries, California State University, San Marcos, and Palomar Community College. The family-owned Hollandia Dairy, among the 20 top employers with more than 100 employees, has distributed dairy products to large portions of southern California since 1950.

The SMUSD provides public education to students in grades K-12. The development of California State University, San Marcos, has significantly contributed to San Marcos growing reputation as a hub of higher education in North County. The school celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2010 with an all-time high enrollment of 9,767. The campus nestled in the rolling San Marcos hills has undergone significant growth in the past decade, and is now one of the fastest growing campuses in the California State University system.

Palomar College is a public two-year community college in San Marcos that serves approximately 30,000 full-time students. California residents are charged only $46 per unit, making it an affordable solution for locals seeking higher education.

Rentals in San Marcos, CA, and Cost of Living

Land prices in San Marcos remain lower than those of other North San Diego County cities. Because San Marcos is 72 percent built out, there is still a relatively substantial amount of land available for future development. San Marcos features a diversified housing market, and master-planned communities such as San Elijo Hills have become popular among North County families. According to city-data.com, the median gross rent for San Marcos rentals in 2009 was $1,250.

San Marcos Attractions and Special Events

The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce sponsors two festivals per year: the San Marcos Swing into Spring Festival in April and the San Marcos Harvest Festival in October. Both feature food, vendor booths and outdoor entertainment.

San Marcos is less than 30 minutes away from the Wild Animal Park in Escondido, which is a 1,800-acre zoo in the San Pasqual Valley. Legoland California, located approximately 15 miles from San Marcos in Carlsbad, was the first Legoland opened outside of Europe.

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